Facebook has recently confirmed its collaboration with Airbus on high-altitude drone initiatives aimed at expanding internet access to remote regions. The two companies are not only working together on technological development but also lobbying the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for more radio spectrum capacity to support their high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) systems.
This partnership builds on previous efforts, including a 2015 resolution from the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), which called for the ITU to explore additional spectrum requirements for HAPS communication systems. The goal is to enhance global connectivity by enabling more reliable and widespread internet services through these advanced aerial platforms.
Despite appearing as an unusual alliance, Facebook and Airbus both have experience in developing solar-powered drones. Facebook’s Aquila project, for example, conducted two test flights: the first in June 2016, which ended in a crash after 96 minutes of flight, and a successful second test in May 2017, lasting over an hour and 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, Airbus has been testing its Zephyr drone series, known for its long endurance. One version of the Zephyr has flown continuously for 14 days without refueling, setting a new record for high-altitude drones.
Both companies aim to deploy solar-powered drones that can operate at altitudes above 70,000 feet, providing internet access to underserved populations. Facebook highlighted this effort in a blog post, stating, “We are working with Airbus to advance new developments in spectrum and aviation policy and continue to demonstrate the feasibility of HAPS systems providing Internet services.â€
While the partnership shows promise, it remains unclear how the two projects will be integrated or what the timeline for full deployment might look like. However, the collaboration between Facebook and Airbus signals a growing commitment to using cutting-edge technology to bridge the digital divide.
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